Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Houston

Table Of Contents

If your loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas, you need a lawyer who is a strong advocate when dealing with insurance adjusters and in the courtroom. The Houston personal injury attorneys at Michael P. Fleming & Associates, P.C., are ready to assist you in pursuing your claim after a motorcycle accident, especially if it involves injuries. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Houston today.

Legal Services for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Houston

We regularly represent people who were injured while lawfully riding their motorcycles in accidents caused by aggressive or careless car and truck drivers. Motorcyclists have as much right to be on the road as anyone else. You have the right to motorcycle injury protections. At the law firm of Michael P. Fleming &amp; Associates, P.C., you will talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Houston who will assure your case gets the attention and compensation it deserves.

Motorcycle Accident Checklist

Always see a doctor to document the accident, and address your medical needs even if you are feeling fine

Always answer all questions from law enforcement officials

Whenever possible, take photographs of the accident scene

Never open communication with an insurance company without first contacting a board-certified motorcycle accident attorney

Keep records of all work hours missed

Keep records of all medical expenses

What Should I Do After a Houston Motorcycle Accident Crash?

Get medical help. Your first concern after a motorcycle accident should be medical attention for your injuries. Motorcycle accidents can cause multiple broken bones, painful road rash, brain injury and spinal cord injury. You do not want to delay seeking medical care as this can make your injuries worse and when you end up making a claim, the insurance company will say that the delay in care indicates the lack of an injury. As false as this argument may be for the insurance company to make, it happens all the time. Go and see your doctor!

Don’t wait to make a claim. You need to make an insurance claim as soon as possible. While the statute of limitations is two years, the claims process should begin as soon as possible while accident reports, witness accounts and medical records are fresh. As soon as you are able after the accident, seek the advice of a board certified injury lawyer for advice on preserving evidence and witness testimony so that you will be able to receive the compensation you deserve.

Make sure that you protect your rights to file a personal injury case. Never allow an insurance company to pressure you into accepting a settlement. Contact a qualified personal injury lawyer for help and guidance before you find that your rights to remuneration are being usurped by an insurer.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics Explained

While most people recognize that riding a motorcycle can be more dangerous than driving an automobile, there are numerous government studies that back up this assumption. In Texas there were 463 fatalities in 2014 involving people riding motorcycles.

Drivers aged 21 to 24, 27 to 29 and 51 to 56 had the highest number of deaths than any other age category. The vast majority of those involved were male as females only accounted for 3% of the total. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are more than 26 times more likely than passenger car drivers and occupants to die in a car accident.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that, nationwide the percentage of fatalities on motorcycles, as compared to those in cars have been increasing in recent years. Historically, between the years 1975-2000 this percentage was anywhere from 5% to 10%.

“June of 2016 changed my life. I was hit from behind while waiting at the red light on my motorcycle by a motorist who was texting and driving. I honestly thought at the time of impact, this was it. After receiving treatment for my injuries and broken bones, I reached out to the best firm I could find to represent me and my interest. I found Michael P. Fleming & Associates, P.C., and was connected with Audrey. We talked about the facts of my case and what needed to be done. I really appreciated her thoughtfulness, and guidance through the whole process. Even when I got frustrated, she was a calm voice who assured me that things will work out, and explained the process better. She continually kept me and my wife informed, which is rare, and I am really happy about the end result and the way things worked out.” Continue reading →

- Robert

Motorcycle Accident Trends & Analysis

Fatalities in car accidents decreased, however, those involving motorcycles increased. The most alarming trend that we can see over this time period is that the number of deaths in car accidents has been steadily decreasing since 2005 and the opposite is true for those who ride motorcycles. In the entire time period of 1975 to 2013 only two years did the number of Motorcyclist deaths exceed 5,000 and that was in 2007 and 2008.

Percentage of motorcycle accidents have increased and now exceed 10% every year since 2005. There are two reasons for this trend, the number of fatal car and truck accidents have decreased while at the same time fatal motorcycle accidents have increased.

Motorcycle Helmet Use Can Save Lives in an Accident

It is surprising that with these trends state laws regarding mandatory use of helmets have not changed. At this time only 19 states and the District of Columbia require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Iowa, Illinois and New Hampshire are the only states that have no motorcycle helmet laws. In light of recent statistics it is astonishing that this is the case. In Texas, motorcyclists can ride without a helmet as long as they are age 21 years or older, have proof of taking a training or safety course and have a medical insurance policy. Some studies have shown that helmets give the driver a 37% better chance of surviving a crash and a 67% better chance of avoiding brain injuries. These facts alone should cause state legislators to change the laws regarding helmet use.

It is important to note that riders of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be seriously injured as well. It is very common for these riders to ride without a helmet and yet they can be found on our public roads where fatalities have occurred. Wearing a helmet on a motorcycle or an ATV is just like wearing a seat belt, if not more important since you are more likely to suffer serious injury on these types of vehicles. Wearing a helmet should not be the exception but the norm.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Houston

Many wrecks are caused by a car driver failing to see a motorcyclist because of its smaller size. This also often results from car drivers running red lights or speeding. Motorcycles are convenient to use in high-traffic situations because of their ability to weave in and out of traffic easily. This quickness that motorcycles display should be used with caution because it could be dangerous with other cars on the road.

Much like the bias toward bicyclists being able to use the road, there is a likewise bias associated with motorcyclists. This can be seen in car drivers following too closely to a motorcyclist when he or she is occupying the fast lane, or any other part of the road. These biases should be recognized when involved in a motorcycle accident and evaluated to see if such a bias contributed to the accident. Should an accident like this happen to you or a loved one, it is important that you contact an accident attorney to discuss your case. Contact our Houston motorcycle accident lawyer today.

While a car accident can be devastating and cause life-threatening or long-term injuries, the chances of being seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident are even greater. In 2015, there were more than 88,000 motorcyclists injured in accidents in the U.S. There were 459 fatal motorcycle injuries in Texas that year.

Why the Right Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Matter

Injuries from a motorcycle accident can range from minor injuries like broken bones to catastrophic injuries or disabling injuries, including loss of limbs to loss of life. Board-certified motorcycle accident lawyers are often contacted to help victims get the assistance they need to pay for medical bills or loss of life or limb, or to help them recuperate monies lost due to the loss of work. It is important that you consult with a qualified wrongful death lawyer. Click here for directions.

Get Help After a Motorcycle Accident In Houston

Being involved in any type of a car or motorcycle accident is very frightening. When you are riding a motorcycle, your injuries may not be immediately evident. This is one of the reasons it is so important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you are not able to reach your personal care physician, take the time to go to the emergency room. Photographs of bruises, scrapes, lacerations, and other injuries should be photographed if possible.

When the legal matter you are facing is important, ask for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury litigation and car accident lawyer who has the time to discuss your situation with you, explain your options and represent you. Contact the litigation attorneys at the law firm of Michael P. Fleming & Associates, P.C.

“My Wife and I were represented recently by Mr. Fleming and Associates for a personal injury case. I have had a previous case for a real estate transaction represented by Mr. Fleming that went to a Jury trial. I have been very satisfied with both cases. Fleming and his Associates are top notch Attorneys. I would recommend them to anyone who wants the very best representation available.”

At our law firm our attorneys offer exceptional representation to those who have suffered serious injuries in all types of accidents. We have received some of the highest reviews and ratings of any Houston personal injury lawyer. One of the unique aspects of our law firm is that when you are a client you will be in direct contact with the lawyer handling your case. We strive to keep our clients involved and informed in the handling of their case so they know what to expect and when to expect it.